Veterans and their families who are struggling to cope with increased energy bills can get grants of up to £200 a month from a leading military charity.
The Royal British Legion, the UK's largest charity dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces, this week launched a new grant scheme for ex-military families to help with increased costs . The grants of up to £2,400 a year (£200 a month) are available across the UK and don't have to be paid back.
There are around two million UK armed forces veterans, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Defence. The Royal British Legion hasn't said how many might be able to benefit from the new grants, but the charity told Moneysavingexpert.com that there was no set cut-off and that it wants to help as many members of the Armed Forces community as it can.
The charity said it's taking action after seeing a 20% rise in requests for support with urgent needs, such as food and household costs, over the past 12 months and itexpects this to continue to increase over the winter months.
Some members of the Armed Forces community are more vulnerable to rising costs than others, according to the Royal British Legion, with its research previously finding that working-age veterans were more likely to be sick or disabled than other UK adults of the same age.
In general, the Armed Forces community includes those who have served, or are serving, in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force, as well as their families, dependants and carers – which can include children, current and former spouses and partners, widows and widowers. However, the Royal British Legion uses a broad definition of "Armed Forces community", so it's worth checking on its website or by calling its helpline on 0808 802 8080.
According to the Royal British Legion, if you're claiming means-tested state benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Income Support, you should qualify automatically, but you could still be eligible for a grant even if you don't get any benefits.
The charity is encouraging anyone struggling financially to apply, as it has flexibility to support for people who don't meet the means-testing, and it will check your income and expenditure to assess your needs.
If your application is successful, you'll get up to £200 a month for up to 12 months – the exact amount and duration will vary depending on your circumstances. In most cases, you won't be paid in cash, but will get one or more of the following:
- Vouchers to top-up your gas or electricity prepayment meter.
- A virtual credit card you can use to pay utility bills;
- Vouchers for food, clothing or household items.
- Replacement white goods.
The Royal British Legion was formed after the First World War to support the veterans who had suffered during the war and their families. The first Poppy Appeal was held in 1921, and today 40,000 volunteers distribute 40 million poppies. in the weeks running up to Remembrance Day on November 11.
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